The local KidSport Canada branch in North Bay is one of 19 national organizations to receive government grants through the Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI).
MP Anthony Rota says the money will "allow youth to apply for grants of up to $350 to help cover sport registration and equipment costs if they are registered with one of our local sport organizations.”
Some of the many groups that have been supported thus far with CSAI funding include North Bay Minor Hockey Association, North Bay Youth Soccer Club, The North Bay Bull Dogs Football Club, KTP Racquet Club, Marceau's Martial Arts, Dance Expressions and Apollo Gymnastics
The funding is being distributed to groups working on the ground says a news release. The activities help eliminate barriers that hinder participation in sport, particularly in Black, Indigenous and racialized communities, or 2SLGBTQQIA+ groups, people with low incomes, newcomers and persons with disabilities.
Kyoshi Chris Marceau is the Chief Instructor at Marceau’s Martial Arts and he says, “We have several students that are from families that, at the time, are not in a financial position to have their children come out and train with us, but to see the kids with smiles on their faces as they conquer new challenges is incredible. We also have a few students that have special needs and once again, KidSport has allowed them an equal opportunity to try training with us. Without the sponsorship from this organization, so many children would never know or understand the change and chance they have been allowed to experience.”
